It's dat time of year agen

Not exams guy...im talking about NHL playoffs...although exams r pretty important too. so here is the playoff matchups..

Eastern Conference

(1) Washington Capitals vs. (8) New York Rangers
(2) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (7) Buffalo Sabres
(3) Boston Bruins vs. (6) Montreal Canadiens
(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Tampa Bay Lightning

Western Conference

(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (8) Chicago Blackhawks
(2) San Jose Sharks vs. (7) Los Angeles Kings
(3) Detroit Red Wings vs. (6) Phoenix Coyotes
(4) Nashville Predators vs. (5) Anaheim Ducks

Playoff Hockey

• Rank doesnt matter in the playoff... just look at Montreal and Philly last year
  
• the team that shows up and outplayed the other will win
• goaltending is always important
• special team (Powerplay n penalty kill) are crucial for success
  

Breakdown and Prediction: (1) Washington Capitals vs. (8) New York Rangers

• If Ovechkin shows up for the playoff and the Caps has strong goaltending from their 3 young goalies, the Caps will win the series
• If the Rangers D's find a way to shut down Ovie, Semin, Backstrom, and Sean Avery can get into Ovie skin, the Rangers can prevail
• My prediction Washington in 6
  

Breakdown and Prediction:(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (8) Chicago Blackhawks

• If the Canucks can learn from history and psychologically overcome the fear of the Blackhawks, the Canucks will win the series
• The hawks is a different team this year cuz they lost all their guys like "Big Buff" but if they can find a way to shut down the Canucks offense and have strong goaltending from their rookie goalie, the Hawks can beat the Canucks
• My prediction Canucks in 7